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Group Spotlight

For people who are looking to engage in discussions about using foundations (like the Washington State Parks Foundation) and individual park friends groups to aid in the preservation, maintenance, and improvement of Washington State Parks.

Fort Townsend State Park

This 367-acre marine camping park features 3,960-feet of saltwater shoreline on Port Townsend Bay. The heavily wooded park has a rich military history dating from pioneer days. The park offers nature and history interpretive events. The 6.5 miles of hiking trails wander through a natural forest area.

Discover Pass: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.

Picnic & Day-Use Facilities
Three picnic shelters and 43 picnic tables are available first come, first served. The park also offers a modern replica of the historic 1800s stable, the Friends' Barn is perfect for weddings, family reunions, company gatherings, nature camps, classroom activities, and more. Maximum capacity 100 guests.

ActivitiesTrails

6.5 miles of hiking trails

Water Activities & Features

Boating

Crabbing

Diving

Saltwater fishing

Other Activities & Features

Amphitheater

Interpretive Opportunities
A self-guided nature trail and a second trail highlighting historical information are available in the park. A park ranger conducts interpretive walks by request on Saturdays. The park supports an active Junior Ranger interpretive program.

Additional Information

The park provides ball fields and a children's play area.

Bicycles are permitted on some of the hiking trails.

A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Boating Features
Located in Jefferson County on Puget Sound, Fort Townsend has moorage buoys lying one mile south of Glenn Cove on the west side of Port Townsend Bay. The nearest launch ramps are at Port Townsend, Fort Flagler, and Hadlock. Additional information can be found in the Boating Program.

Boat Pumpout
Port of Port Townsend Boat Haven is a full service marina with a public accessible pumpout. This facility is open year-around, 24 hours a day. The facility has a full service pumpout. There are 2 slips available for pumpout usage. There are two stationary pumpouts. The stationary pumpouts are located at the fuel / registration dock and the ship moorage dock. This facility has a Porta-Potty dump station. The Porta Potty dump station is behind the bathrooms.

Campsite Information
The park has 40 reservable standard campsites, four hiker / biker campsites that are first come, first served. The park has one dump station, two restrooms and one shower. Maximum site length is 40-feet (limited availability).

Group Accommodations
The park provides a group camp that accommodates up to 80 people. Fees vary with size of the group. Reservations can be made by calling the park at 360-385-3595.

Reservations & Fees
Reservations can be made online or by calling 888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688). For fee information, check out our camping rates page.

Historical Information
The park occupies more than a third of the original Fort Townsend built in 1856 by the U.S. Army for the protection of settlers. Timbers were hewn and laths cut from local forests. The fort was closed between 1859 and 1874, declared unfit after an inspection by an army headquarters commander from Columbia. Reopened in 1874, the fort thrived until 1895 when fire destroyed the barracks. The property was used as an enemy-munitions defusing station during World War II. State Parks took custody of the premises in 1953.